How to Celebrate a Church Musician's Anniversary

Editor’s note:

Sometimes I get questions in my inbox that I think others may be wondering, too. Here’s a question I received about how to celebrate a church musician’s anniversary. Curious to learn more? Read my response below.

Ashley

Question

Dear Ashley,

I love your ideas for choirs. I wonder if you've got any suggestions for celebrating a church choir director's 20-year anniversary.

Thank you for your time.

- L.C.

Answer

Dear L.C.,

Here are a few ideas for how to acknowledge and celebrate your choir director’s upcoming anniversary:

A special reception with the choir
This could be after church one Sunday or an afternoon/evening banquet. Consider inviting former choir members back for the evening and arranging for special music or entertainment, a catered dinner, or dessert and coffee from a local bakery.
Commissioned anthem
If you have some time to plan, this is a wonderful way to acknowledge a choir director’s years of service. Reach out to a composer you know and discuss the possibilities for and cost of commissioning a brand-new anthem for your choir, dedicated to your choir director.
Special congregational litany or blessing in worship
It can be meaningful to have the congregation participate in celebrating a church musician who’s put in many years of service. Write a responsive litany and blessing to be shared in worship on the Sunday closest to the anniversary date.
An engraved leather-bound hymnal
If your church musician doesn’t already have their own hymnal, this can be a thoughtful and personal gift. Engrave their name on the front to personalize it and consider writing an inscription inside the front cover.
Scrapbook
If you have time to plan, it can be meaningful to collect notes and letters from choir and congregation members (past and present) with stories and memories of the church musician’s time serving. Consider assembling everything into a scrapbook with a few pictures, if you have them.
Quilt
Have choir and congregation members sign fabric squares to be assembled into a quilt.
A commissioned hymn or piece of service music
Similar to No. 2 above but on a smaller scale, consider commissioning someone to write a new hymn (text and/or tune) or piece of service music (introit, benediction response, congregational blessing, etc.) to celebrate your church musician’s anniversary.
A special collection for a big purchase
This is a great way to honor your church musician for their years of service with a gift that can be used and enjoyed for years to come. Do a special collection for the music ministry and use the funds to purchase a new instrument (piano, handbells, chimes, etc.) or upgrade something you use on a regular basis, such as new wooden music stands. Add a brass plaque acknowledging your church musician’s anniversary.
Flowers on the altar & a special note in the bulletin
It’s always nice to have a special flower arrangement on the altar and a note in the bulletin acknowledging the anniversary.